Last night, I inadvertently saw the exchange rate of Saudi Riyal to Philippine Peso when we passed the remittance center on our way to the supermarket. I complained in a loud voice, “10.75 pesos to a riyal? Arrrggghhhh… The cost of living, not only here in the Kingdom but also in the Philippines, is becoming high yet our salary remains low.” As expected, my comments were met with my husband’s eyes of dismay! Anyhow, we went to the supermarket to buy the things that we needed for the week. Then, we headed home!
When my husband dropped on our kitchen floor the plastic bags that were full of goods, I felt EMBARRASSED for complaining earlier. I thought, we are still blessed because we have the means to sustain our needs and at times, purchase our wants. And I suddenly remembered those investigators and church members whom I met and visited years back when I was still working with the missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines. Some of them seldom got the chance to even go to the Malls while others had not been to one. You could tell that they’re born in poverty yet, most of them were so positive in life that you could hardly hear them complaining. You could see in their eyes the faith and perseverance to rise above their situation. There were moments when I could not hold back my tears whenever they would share both their struggles and triumphs in life. And amazingly, they’d remained to have that heart filled with gratitude to God. Now, who am to complain?
Even with our meager income, Rowel and I are still able to provide our son his favorite food…
Also, we can still afford to cook and partake of the food that we love….
It would be a sign of ingratitude to keep on whining for the things we lack instead of counting the blessings that we already have.
chazsm 